Virupaksha AESA Radar, Boasting 2400 GaN-Based Modules, Promises Unprecedented Detection Range for IAF's Su-30MKI Fleet

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a major advancement in radar technology for its Su-30MKI fighter jets. The design phase for the new Virupaksha Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar is complete, with the project now moving into the sub-system realization phase.

This crucial step involves the development and testing of individual components before the first prototype is built. DRDO officials have confirmed that ground-based testing will be conducted first, followed by rigorous in-flight trials.

The Virupaksha radar is a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF), offering a significant upgrade over existing radar systems. What sets it apart is the use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in its Transmit/Receive Modules (TRM). GaN offers superior efficiency and power handling compared to traditional materials, translating to a more powerful and reliable radar.

With a large 950 mm diameter antenna and approximately 2400 GaN-powered TRMs, the Virupaksha radar is expected to achieve detection ranges of 300-400 km for fighter-sized targets.

This extended range will significantly enhance the Su-30MKI's situational awareness and combat capabilities. Pilots will be able to detect and track enemy aircraft at much greater distances, giving them a tactical advantage in aerial engagements. The radar's advanced capabilities will also improve the Su-30MKI's performance in air-to-ground missions, enabling more precise targeting.

The Virupaksha radar is a key component of the Super-30 upgrade program, which aims to modernize 84 Su-30MKI aircraft operated by the IAF. These upgrades are being carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). By incorporating this advanced radar technology, the IAF aims to ensure its Su-30MKI fleet remains a potent force for years to come.

According to DRDO officials, the Virupaksha AESA Radar is progressing as planned, with in-flight developmental trials expected to commence around 2028. This timeline allows ample time for the completion of ground-based testing and the seamless integration of the radar onto the Su-30MKI platform.

 

[sanket]

My guess was perfect. I was always saying given the big size of the Su-30 MKI nose cone, it should have at least 2400 TRM. Many were saying it is not possible & range doesn't depend on higher TRM, ha ha ha ha. By the time Astra MK3 will be ready, it will be a perfect combo of Astra MK3 & Virupaksha Radar. First look, first shoot, game over with detection range in 300 km to 400 km & Astra MK3 BVR range with 300 km to 350 km, where does South Korea stand with KF-21..............??? Comedians can have chai samosa. Second, Bharat has ordered 12 Su-30 MKI. HAL should make an experiment with making 2 Su-30 MKI as a test bed with using composite material instead of a metal airframe. One Su-30 MKI should be assembled with the use of composite material & should be tested since Super Sukhoi are going to remain till 2060 in the IAF fleet after upgradation. Lastly, it is only possible on a Russian platform to upgrade indigenously. Shame on Dassault for making Mirage-2000 a vintage fighter jet, one of the most outdated fighter jets. Neither did they allow RBE-2 derivative & Meteor missile integration.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great work. Su30mki definitely requires these world-class radars to make it 4+ gen fighters.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Lovely. Way to go DRDO.If (I am certain it will), DRDO manages to miniaturize the radar even further, it would make a great radar for Tejas Mk2 and more.

 

[sanket]

Lovely. Way to go DRDO.If (I am certain it will), DRDO manages to miniaturize the radar even further, it would make a great radar for Tejas Mk2 and more.

Once DRDO masters the GaN-based AESA Radar, then a miniaturized version will be developed for Tejas MK1A to Tejas MK2, TEDBF & AMCA. Flight trials by 2028, so in MLU Tejas MK1A definitely have GaN-based miniaturized version as well as Tejas MK2.

 

[Sunny]

While the radar itself is impressive, I doubt we can utilize its full potential with the power output provided by the current engines. We should have gone for the engine upgrade to AL-31FN as well.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Once DRDO masters the GaN-based AESA Radar, then a miniaturized version will be developed for Tejas MK1A to Tejas MK2, TEDBF & AMCA. Flight trials by 2028, so in MLU Tejas MK1A definitely have GaN-based miniaturized version as well as Tejas MK2.

We really need a robust semiconductor fabrication capability in India for us to make rapid progress in the field of miniaturization. Without our own silicon producing facilities, we will forever be playing the catchup game.

 

[AK S]

While the radar itself is impressive, I doubt we can utilize its full potential with the power output provided by the current engines. We should have gone for the engine upgrade to AL-31FN as well.

Upgraded engine for better MTBF and lower operating cost does make sense - however, a lot of upfront cost and new infrastructure and training will be needed.

However, the new proposed GaN radar consumes less power than the existing PESA ones. The existing engine is more than sufficient.

 

[मित्र]

Upgraded engine for better MTBF and lower operating cost does make sense - however, a lot of upfront cost and new infrastructure and training will be needed.

However, the new proposed GaN radar consumes less power than the existing PESA ones. The existing engine is more than sufficient.

As per reports, it will consume half the power of existing radar.

 

[Pardeep]

Everything is good with radar. Point is that when will they install it?

 

[Kira]

MKI larger nose cone + higher energy density GaN + higher power output provided by twin engine = A hugely capable AESA.

PS - As for GaN (please don't pronounce it loudly, instead use the acronym itself 😂) technology, please look up any newer chargers for phone or laptops, that is made of GaN instead of typical silicon, it has a smaller size compared for the same power output as compared to the conventional chargers.

 

[vinod nair]

While the radar itself is impressive, I doubt we can utilize its full potential with the power output provided by the current engines. We should have gone for the engine upgrade to AL-31FN as well.

Virupaksha radar is GaN based will require significantly less power then existing Radar

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Everything is good with radar. Point is that when will they install it?

The article already gives an indication. In flight user trials are to commence in 2028, which means final induction could be around 2032-33, if all goes well !!

 

[Enforcer]

Upgraded engine for better MTBF and lower operating cost does make sense - however, a lot of upfront cost and new infrastructure and training will be needed.

However, the new proposed GaN radar consumes less power than the existing PESA ones. The existing engine is more than sufficient.

Yes its modern technology and modern chips require less power that older ones. Hence your iphone is more faster than old computer that were size of a room and required lots of power.

 

[Enforcer]

Everything is good with radar. Point is that when will they install it?

This is probably just a prototype. It requires a lot of testing to be ready for war. which means a lot of time.

 

[R. Singh]

Good , next gen home made AESA Radar, Al-41 engine to attain MAc-2.5 speed, Astra-II and Astra-III ,R-37M will upgrade Su-30MKI to next level !Also reduce its RSC to minimum possible !

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great that progress is being made but we need to make it much more quickly. This should also be part of the Super Sukhoi upgrade program which is essential as we need to make a comprehensive upgrade of all of the Sukhoi jets.

 

[Biju UK]

I see a lot of positive thinkers in the comments section and would really want to be among them, but for the fact that I instinctively distrust DRDO or HAL. That being said, I will eat my words if DRDO deploys operationally this radar by 2032.

 

[Senapati]

GaN based AESA radar is latest in radar technology and not only Su30 but all fighters aircrafts be it Jaguar Mirage2000 Mig or indigenious Tejas AMCA TEDBF can use such radars.
They are compact and consume less power.

 

[SURESH RAO]

My suggestion is to choose the 117S engine for the Su-30MKI upgrade. This engine has the same dimensions as the AL31 engine. The 117S engine has more power and efficiency. The HAL Koraput Engine division can be upgraded to produce 117S engines. This engine can be a better choice for integration with the Su-30MKI. It may not be easy to integrate AL41 and AL51 engines into the Su-30MKI.

HAL already produced 272 Su-30MKIs, and it will be no big deal for HAL to upgrade the existing ones. Also, it will not be difficult to produce 12+72 new Su-30MKIs. The new ones should be made of carbon composites just like Tejas. Chai Samosa cartoon in this group, please open a chai stall in HAL.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

What about Uttam radar? Is that meant for only Tejas?

 

[Vipul Kumar]

We really need a robust semiconductor fabrication capability in India for us to make rapid progress in the field of miniaturization. Without our own silicon producing facilities, we will forever be playing the catchup game.

Tata group is setting up multiple semiconductor fabrication plants in the future.

 

[Rational Guy]

Lovely. Way to go DRDO.If (I am certain it will), DRDO manages to miniaturize the radar even further, it would make a great radar for Tejas Mk2 and more.

This is one area where MoD and DRDO have had foresight. They spent $400 million USD to set up a lab-scale 14 nm FINFET fab to fabricate GaN semiconductors, almost 10 years ago.

 

[Rational Guy]

We really need a robust semiconductor fabrication capability in India for us to make rapid progress in the field of miniaturization. Without our own silicon producing facilities, we will forever be playing the catchup game.

In terms of GaN, we actually do have our own fab facility. It is a lab-scale 14nm FINFET technology used to make GaN semiconductors, located in BLR.

 

[vyoma]

Game begins not over.. enemy's radar will be equipped equally.

So you need stealthy aircraft